Clapton moved second in the Essex Senior League after cruising to a comfortable 3-0 victory against local rivals Barkingside at Cricklefield Stadium.

A brace from Ryan Reed and another goal from Jay Morris sealed the three points for the Tons against Michael Walther’s side.

Morris headed home at the back post early in the first-half to give the visitors the lead after an incoming corner was not dealt with by the defence and fell to the midfielder in the box.

Barkingside held firm and had a few chances of their own as they searched for an equaliser but they failed to find the net.

Jonny Fowell’s side came out fast in the second-half and in no time found themselves 2-0 up as goalkeeper Nathan Headley came out and collided with a Clapton player from an incoming corner.

The ball then fell to Reed who fired it into the back of the net.

Reed then added a second shortly after as he capitalised on some sloppy defending and vollyed the ball past Headley to strecth their lead to 3-0.

Jeffrey Cobblah tweeted after the match: “Good performance from the team tonight to earn another three points. Lets keep the momentum going.”

Clapton will now not play until they make the trip to Sawbridgeworth next weekend, while Barkingside have the chance to bounce back and find their first league victory of the season on Tuesday night, when they also travel to face the Robins.